PHNOM PENH, August 16, 2024 — In a recent post on his official Facebook page, Prime Minister Hun Manet underlined the significance of the Stung Sreng diversion dam located in Siem Reap province, emphasizing its crucial role in regional water management and agricultural support.

The Prime Minister detailed that the 450-meter-long artificial diversion dam, alongside a 100-meter-long river dam, situated in Sleng Spean commune of Srey Snom district, plays a pivotal role in channeling water from the Dangrek mountain range and local rainfall. This infrastructure significantly enhances irrigation for agriculture, mixed cropping, and daily usage for communities along the river.

The region previously suffered from severe land erosion and water scarcity due to seasonal floods, impacting local agriculture and daily water supply. The new Stung Sreng Irrigation System Phase 1, part of a broader initiative, aims to rectify these challenges by providing a reliable water source for districts in Oddar Meanchey and certain areas in Siem Reap, including Srey Snom and Kralanh districts.

Hun Manet noted that the irrigation system is essential for both dry and wet season crop cultivation and other uses. It features two main concrete canals—the East Main Canal and the Western Main Canal—which together facilitate effective water transportation across significant agricultural lands.

Construction efforts that began in May 2024 focus on establishing a robust infrastructure to secure and optimize the eastern concrete water system. The ongoing projects include the creation of a 450-meter artificial canal and a 100-meter dam to enhance the system's efficacy. Over 70% of the construction has been completed to date.

Once fully operational, the diversion dam and associated structures are expected to substantially improve irrigation facilities for around 1,490 families in Chong Kal and Cheung Tien communes in Oddar Meanchey province and Sleng Spean commune in Siem Reap province. This will not only aid in climate resilience by mitigating impacts of droughts and floods but also enable farmers to increase crop cycles, thus boosting household incomes and sustaining local natural resources.